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Summer is full of sunshine, travel, and fun, but let’s be honest: It can also throw off our routines. With vacations, late nights, and a change of pace, the spiritual habits we’ve worked to build can easily take a backseat. Prayer time gets squeezed out. Reading scripture slips. Church attendance becomes irregular. It’s easy to tell ourselves, “I’ll get back on track in the fall.” But why wait? What if summer could become a season of spiritual growth, one that’s flexible, refreshing, and full of connection with God, even in the middle of beach days and barbecues? Here are four creative and easy ways to stay grounded in faith when life gets unpredictable. 1. PACK PRAYER WITH YOU. You don’t need a quiet room or a set time to talk to God. Whether on a walk, driving to a vacation spot, or waiting in line at the ice cream shop, you can turn those moments into mini prayer breaks. • Say a quick prayer of thanks for something beautiful around you. • Ask God to bless someone you’re with or someone on your mind. 2. CREATE A ‘TRAVEL-SIZE’ FAITH ROUTINE. You might not have your usual devotional or church service while traveling, but that doesn’t mean your connection to God has to stop. Staying Spiritually Grounded in a Busy Summer Faith on the Go
“This summer, let’s not leave our faith at home. Let’s take it with us.”
• Download a faith-based podcast or audio devotional for the car ride or plane trip. • Read a short passage of scripture in the morning or before bed. Just a few verses can make a big difference. • Use a Bible app to set daily reminders or explore a short summer reading plan. 3. MAKE NATURE YOUR SANCTUARY. Summer is full of outdoor beauty, so why not use that to become closer to God? • Sit outside and reflect on our Heavenly Father’s creation. • Take a walk and thank Him for each thing you notice: trees, sky, birds, warmth. Let the peace of nature remind you of God’s presence, even without a schedule. 4. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND JOYFUL. Our Heavenly Father isn’t asking for perfection. He’s inviting us into a relationship. Even five minutes a day of prayer, praise, or reading can keep your heart in tune with Him. Let go of guilt and look for small windows of connection instead. This summer, let’s not leave our faith at home. Let’s take it with us. Whether traveling, hosting guests, or just soaking up the sun, God is there, ready to meet us wherever we are. Let this be a summer where our spirit stays just as refreshed as our schedules.
Do a good deed! Be part of a solution! We’re here for you and your family and friends to answer questions about these cases:
• Wrongful death • Serious accident injuries • Work injuries
• Family law — consultation fee required. We’ll explain when you call.
Give the gift of peace of mind, and make sure callers tell us you sent them so we can thank you! Call 864.898.6458.
864.582.0416
Savoring Nature Safely on a Biking Adventure TRAIL-READY
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. BE WEATHER-WARY Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast
before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down. KNOW YOUR LEVEL Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. GEAR UP Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor
hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. DON’T GO ALONE Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks. By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“I got hurt on the job in Gaffney, SC. I saw rather quickly that I was going to need help. Rob Usry was referred by a friend who had a great experience with their services. So I contacted them and it was the best move I could have ever made. Rob and his staff were amazing. They treated me and my wife like family. They left no stone unturned while working on my case, and I could not be happier with the results. I would highly recommend Rob Usry and his team to anyone who is in need of a lawyer in the upstate. They are the best in the business.” –Randall Garrett “Mr. Usry and his staff are wonderful to work with. I reached out for advice when a recent accident caused damage to my house and car. They answered all my questions and explained all my options. They have the knowledge and haven’t forgotten how to treat people with kindness and respect. I wholeheartedly recommend them.” –Rebecca Smith
www.bhollandlawfirm.com
WHEN ROUTINE DIDN’T SERVE JUSTICE A Rare Exception
We typically avoid referring our personal injury and workers’ compensation clients in Spartanburg to physicians since doing so can jeopardize a claim. However, this particular case was an exception, and seeking a second opinion turned out to be necessary and advantageous. Our client was injured while working at the BMW plant in Greer, near Spartanburg. He slipped on a waxed surface while exiting a vehicle he was servicing, causing a serious injury to his left knee. The authorized physician, chosen by the employer, performed arthroscopic surgery, which included a partial medial meniscectomy and the removal of a synovial shelf. After the procedure, the doctor assigned a 5% permanent impairment rating to the injured leg. Unfortunately, our client continued to experience significant discomfort and mobility issues. Roughly a month later, the same surgeon conducted a second procedure, again a partial medial meniscectomy. Despite the second operation and ongoing problems, the impairment rating remained unchanged at 5%. This outcome raised concerns. It didn’t align with the client’s physical limitations or daily challenges. To address the discrepancy, Rob decided, unusually for our practice, to send the client for
an independent medical examination (IME) with a
different orthopedic surgeon in the area. That doctor evaluated the client and assigned a 15% permanent impairment rating, a figure that more accurately reflected the client’s condition.
With the updated assessment, we could negotiate a more appropriate settlement. The case resolved with a clincher agreement of $40,348.05, which equated to a 30% permanent partial disability rating for the injured left leg. While we’re generally cautious about making medical referrals in these types of claims, this case proves that sometimes stepping outside routine protocol is warranted. The second opinion was pivotal in ensuring our client received a fair resolution that matched the true extent of his injury.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Good News
Ingredients
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with them, and them with me.” –Revelation 3:20
864.582.0416
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
101 W. St. John St. Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306
INSIDE this issue
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1. Faith on the Go Through the Summer
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2. Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking Client Testimonials 3. Breaking Protocol to Do What’s Right for Our Client Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken 4. Company Enlists Goats to Reduce Risk of Wildfires
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If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email Rob@bhollandlawfirm.com . Goats on the Job in Colorado Hooved Helpers Ward Off Wildfires
When a Colorado wildfire threatened one of Lockheed Martin’s plants last summer, the big defense contractor decided they needed better fire protection measures. So, the company called in an unlikely emergency workforce — a battalion of 1,200 grazing goats. Lockheed contracted Goat Green, a local Colorado company, to put its herd of hungry Cashmere goats to work clearing 98 acres of wilderness terrain near the company’s worksite, which includes a $350 million satellite-manufacturing facility. The terrain is too steep and hazardous for machine clearing or human crews, but it posed little challenge to the goats. Their mission: to eliminate fuel for future fires and clear paths for firefighters, if needed. The goats could mow down an acre of land
dense with plants and underbrush in a day, eliminating invasive vegetation and reducing the terrain to a nearly level, trimmed surface. The goats’ work also prevents overgrowth near powerlines, where fires often start. Lockheed embraced this unusual fire-protection strategy after last year’s 580-acre Quarry Fire came within a mile of the company’s Waterton aerospace facility near Littleton. Five firefighters were injured battling the blaze, which forced the evacuation of 600 homes and put thousands of Colorado residents on edge. Goat Green has contracted with parks, government agencies, municipalities, farms, ranches, and private land owners across 15 states to provide low-tech clearing services. The company’s workforce consists of 1,500 Cashmere goats native to the Himalayas and comfortable in cold, dry temperatures.
Unlike most domestic goats destined for the slaughterhouse early in life, Goat Green’s employees work for about 12 years for as many as 265 days a year. Kids are born on the worksites and learn to eat a wide range of weeds and forage as adolescents. These goats even have a retirement plan: After losing their teeth, they live out their final days in peace on a ranch. After a dozen wildfires in the last 10 years in the Littleton area, residents are bracing for another wildfire season. The area is a little bit safer this year, however, thanks to the goats. As one regional fire-protection official said on Facebook, “These goats are a wonderful partner to us.”
www.bhollandlawfirm.com
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